Search - Lyle Lovett :: Smile ~ Songs from the Movies

An enjoyable listen!

theopinionator | El Paso, TX USA | 02/27/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Lovett's last set of all new original material came in 1996, so one can't help but be disappointed that the new "Smile" contains no new recordings and no Lovett compositions. (At least his last compilation, "Cowboy Man," brought us two new songs.) But all is forgiven once you put this CD in the player and give it a listen.Even the die-hard fan isn't likely to own all the soundtracks from which "Smile"'s songs are culled; so getting this disc is an ideal way to complete your Lovett collection. But "Smile" is more than a completionist's must-have; it is also a concept album. And its concept is Lovett's passion for the movies. This concept makes the set hang together as a musical (and theatrical) whole.Though there is nothing on "Smile" that feels like filler, a couple of standout tracks merit particular mention. Lovett's rendition of "Mack the Knife" from Kurt Weill's "Threepenny Opera" rivals (even surpasses) the well-respected Bobby Darin version. Though a far cry from Weill's original arrangement, the rich orchestration heard here somehow works with Lovett's restrained but plangent vocal.Another highlight of the disc is Lovett's remaking of Ray Charles's "What'd I Say." True to the spirit of the original, this track proves that Lovett can sing soul music soulfully.Perhaps the best-known song on the disc is Lovett's duet with Randy Newman--"You've Got a Friend in Me" from Disney's "Toy Story." In the context of this set, this song takes on new meaning and Lovett's admiration for Mr. Newman's music suddenly becomes more pertinent than the saga between Buzz Lightyear and Woody."Smile" may not break new ground the way that Lovett's last set of standards ("Step Inside This House") did, but it must be the most essential collection of previously released non-originals in the history of popular music. And like most of Lovett's records, it is just plain fun to listen to."

This will hold me over 'til Lyle writes some new stuff

Cathy Stucker | Sugar Land, TX USA | 03/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lyle Lovett's best recording is still "The Road to Ensenada," his last album of original material. Although it is disappointing that "Smile" doesn't include new material, the performances on this CD are outstanding. It's also nice to have them all in one place, rather than a song here and there on multiple soundtracks.The varied styles here show Lyle's versatility and illustrate why he doesn't get radio airplay. This guy doesn't fit into some neat little box. Is he country? Rock/pop? Jazz? Big band? Gospel? Well, yeah, he's all that. Where else will you find songs written by Burt Bacharach, Irving Berlin, Randy Newman, Ray Charles, Charlie Chaplin, Bob Seger and others, all in one place?Lyle Lovett is the only artist whose CDs I'd buy without even hearing a note first. I know the music will be excellent, and he hasn't let me down yet. If you are a Lyle Lovett fan you need to add this to your collection. If you haven't discovered Lyle yet, start with his greatest hits in "Anthology" and the classic "Road to Ensenada" then move on to "Smile" and his many other recordings. You'll be hooked!"

Lyle Goes To The Movies

ragtales | Omaha, NE United States | 02/27/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Years ago I decided on this simple credo: Any Lyle Lovett is better than no Lyle Lovett. This is a very good collection of music Mr. Lovett has recorded for several different movies over the last several years. Some are solo, some are collaborations, none are originals. Several of the cuts have the smoky, big-band sound that Lyle Lovett does so well. The three cuts in the middle of the disc: Moritat (Mack The Knife), Summer Wind & What'd I Say are three of the best interpretations I have ever heard. They're hot and they swing! Now...this collection continues a trend that concerns me and some of the other Lyle Lovett faithful I have spoken with: When can we expect a recording of "new" songs? Lyle Lovett's last release of all new vocal material was "The Road To Ensenada" in 1996. Such a long dry spell for such a vivid, expressive, original songwriter. I enjoyed this recording a lot, probably more than I expected. I look forward to the "new" stuff but, hey, "any Lyle...""